“Eating less and exercising more is the solution to weight control.” Alas! That advice is no longer working these days. The increase in the number of overweight kids is troubling, as it causes health issues and can lead to social issues as well. Overweight kids are often teased by their friends, lose self-esteem, or develop body-mage problems. When kids are overweight, it requires a great deal of effort and responsibility for them to return to a normal weight.

Extra weight and obesity in youngsters are among the greatest risks to kids’ long- and short-term health. Overweight kids are prone to becoming overweight grownups, and therefore also more prone to heart diseases, cancer, diabetes, stroke, and osteoarthritis.

With the rate of child obesity having almost tripled since 1980, America has more than earned yet another title: “The Fatter Nation.” Surprisingly enough, many health surveys consider obesity a bigger health crisis than smoking and drug abuse. Childhood obesity has become one of the top concerns among American parents today. Their concern is justified since obesity is the root of numerous health risks, like asthma, diabetes, high blood pressure, spikes in cholesterol levels, and even cancer. Overweight children are often bullied and are not fit to take part in any physical activity, thereby developing inferiority complexes, depression, and a sense of loneliness.

A dire consequence of child obesity was articulated by the former U.S Surgeon General, Richard Carmona. He said, “Because of the increasing rates of obesity, unhealthy eating habits, and physical inactivity, we may see the first generation that will be less healthy and have a shorter life expectancy than their parents.”